However, the 52-year-old is determined to kick the habit after being reminded of a number of smoking-related deaths in his family and has sought treatment from a clinic in Chelsea.

"Simon made it his New Year resolution," a source told The People. "He's been smoking since a very young age and feels the time is now right to try and stop.

"He has no major health issues at the moment but, as always, he is under a lot of pressure with his work schedule. Simon's mother and some of his closest friends have been nagging him for some time about trying to stop smoking.

"His grandfather was a heavy smoker who died of lung cancer. His father suffered a heart attack. It's made Simon think long and hard about his own health now."